Hayne admits that Slater is the better fullback

Despite being a quality fullback, and one of the games best and most electrifying in that position, Eels fullback Jarryd Hayne admits that Storm fullback, Billy Slater is a better fullback than he is.

In an incident that occurred last year, where some head-butting took place, both Hayne and Slater will face off against each other, since that incident took place.

Whilst most of the hype will be centered around the master v apprentice battle, or in other words, Craig Bellamy against his former assistant Stephen Kearney, the battle between Hayne and Slater will also be one to watch.

“I rate Billy the best fullback in the game, it’s good to go up against him and get a measure of where I’m at,” Hayne said.

“Obviously it’s good playing against him. He’s the No. 1 fullback in the game, and with me being a fullback as well, I want to put my best foot forward and show [Australian selectors] I’m still there.

“He was in everything on Monday night, he made some quality breaks and looked threatening every time he touched the ball.

“At the end of the day we’re two different players, I’m 100-plus kilos, he’s bordering 90kg, he’s nippy while I’m more of a powerful and explosive player.”

For Stephen Kearney, he does not really believe that there is a sure-fire way to stop the attacking arsenal of the Storm’s potent trio, in Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith and Billy Slater.

“If I spent energy [wondering] how to stop those guys, I wouldn’t be getting much sleep,” Kearney said.

“Billy is such a wonderful player and gives the team so much. Our focus will be on what we need to do well and our strengths and what works for us.”